Thoughts and Reflections From Nicaragua

My 53rd Birthday Thoughts

2010-07-31T12:19:00.001-05:00

"In him (Christ) was life and the life was the light of men. John 1:4 Send the light. Shine on me.

If the Holy One does not reside and reign within me here at home... I would not presume to miraculously encounter him on Iona, or in church, or in the supermarket.

What makes a holy place? What makes a place truly thin? Before all else, he answer lies in our own internal landscape. Indeed, the first and best thin place must be our own souls. When, by the grace of God, that which has separated us from him has been removed, we can encounter the Holy One himself in freedom and friendship. Scripture tells us that the veil in the temple was literally torn in two when Jesus was crucified; we now have free access to the Holy of Holies... If we truly want to be open to God and hope and seek for more of him in our lives, we can find him ever nearer and ever dearer in the thin places of our spiritual landscape. Thin Places: An Evangelical Journey into Celtic Christianity, Tracy Balzer, pp 38,39

Lord, I want more of you.

And the cherry pie was really good. Thanks, Bev.

I Believe...

2010-06-22T12:50:00.001-05:00

I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in love, even when I do not feel it. I believe in God, even when he is silent. (Author unknown)

Names of God: I AM

2010-03-21T22:20:00.002-05:00

Notes from Sunday, March 7, 2010

God replied, "I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you." Exodus 3:14. NLT

I AM - the Self-existant One, the Eternal

Jesus in the Gospel of John used I Am to identify who He was:

The bread of life-6:35,41,48,51
The light of the world-8:13,9:5,12:46
The door-10:7,9
The Good Shepherd-10:14
The Son of God-10:36
The resurrection and the life-11:25
The way, the truth and the life-14:6
The true vine-15:1,5

I AM - John 8:58 "Before Abraham was I AM."

Five Weeks Later: any changes?

2010-03-21T17:39:00.001-05:00

Five weeks have passed since a novel spark of inspiration lit manifestos of "revolutionary" ideas.

What were those noble thoughts?

· Jesus mixed with the unacceptable; he shined light in dark places; and being pure and holy, he became the profane [sin] so we could receive His righteousness and know Father-God.

· We should not be afraid to mix with undesirables; we should be light in dark places; and we shouldn't be afraid of "getting dirty" to reach a hurting and dying world for Christ.

· Get out of our ivory towers and pristine chapels to touch the lives of others in a practical way, so the good news of a restored relation with God can be shared.

What could we do?

· We could pray fervently in our sacred place.

· We could write provoking ideas in our libraries and send them to others.

· We could discuss the pros and cons of our lifestyles and debate possible solutions or actions.

None of these are adequate unless they fill us with compassion and move us to action. In the middle of having a good time and enjoying the life Christ gave us, we must take the time to help the poor, pray with the Nicodemus, forgive the adulterers, listen to the drunk, encourage the failure, challenge the rich and confront the religious. Our thoughts and faith must move us to action.

How have these thoughts affected my life?

· They have made me more sensitive to the needs around me. The story about Lazarus, the pizza given to the street kid and the coins handed to the old lady asking for money are all results of this awareness.

· I've experienced a deeper appreciation of the greatness the work of Christ is in my life. He took MY sins so I could live in His life. I'm thankful for his love and mercy towards me.

· Concern for and prayer for those without Christ [those that haven't accepted his love and forgiveness and haven't made him LORD of their lives] has increased.

Daily we must continue to ask ourselves the question, "what change has our initial interaction actually accomplished in our lives?" Or is it that they were just words, a novel thought, or an impression made on our minds that poked our soul and stirred up our emotions for just a moment.

What have we done the past five weeks? What change has really occurred in our lives?

How are you doing?

March 2010 Newsletter

2010-03-20T14:53:00.005-05:00

Go to Happenings in North Nicaragua for our newsletter.

Ramblings on "taking God's love out of the four walls"

2010-02-22T06:30:00.006-06:00

These are totally random and have no real order. They're just a bunch of thoughts and you must determine their value. You must allow the Holy Spirit to show you how to apply them to your life.

Why be light in dark places? Why get dirty? ...because He shined so I could see his love; He got dirty so I could be cleansed. For those reasons I love him, I want shine in the darkness and get "dirty". I want others to see his love and receive his cleansing and forgiveness.

How can I get dirty? (Getting dirty has reference to previous thoughts shared and internet conversations with a few college students. Jesus, perfect and holy God, came and lived in the world, among the dirt and the dirty. We should do likewise. This is the reason for the question, "how can I get dirty?" Philippians 2:5-8)

Pray - Jesus spent hours in intimate relation with Father God. John 8:38 "I am telling you the things I have seen while with the Father; as for you, practice the things you have heard from the Father!" NET (New English Translation)
Go where the Father says go and do what the Father says do - Jesus did only what He saw the Father do. John 5:19 "So Jesus answered them, "I tell you the solemn truth, the Son can do nothing on his own initiative, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise." NET
Shine at all times - where ever Jesus went people saw the light.
Speak God's truth and demonstrate God's love where ever you go - Jesus ministered to Nicodemus, the woman at the well, the tax collectors, the prostitute and the rich young ruler there was no condemnation, just forgiveness and the charge to change.
Jesus the Christ and his life, death and resurrection are the good news, nothing else (1 Cor. 15:1-9). Never allow theology and being right or wrong to be the center and focus. I'm not saying correct theology isn't important, but Jesus' sacrificial love for us is the focus.
Share the love of God; shine the light of Jesus; show (demonstrate) the power of the Holy Spirit.
Do all for the glory and honor of the Father.

We can never merit God's love, but we can show him our sincere love and genuine appreciation by obeying him, sharing the good news and making disciples of all nations.

Faith without corresponding action is dead.

I came to you in the power of the Holy Spirit, not with fancy, convincing words.

Some of the darkest, dirtiest places in the world are clean, well lit offices.

Getting dirty is...

being generous,
not letting the right hand know what the left is doing (what you do, do it for God's glory, not for personal recognition, gratification or merit),
caring for a friend,
helping the helpless,
encouraging the hopeless.

Getting dirty is being Jesus where ever you are.

Lazarus: a dead man walking

2010-02-19T11:11:00.003-06:00

At four-thirty the curly headed drunk I call Lazarus wouldn't let me open the door at church, so I went to the store and bought us each a can of juice and a piece of bread.

As I opened the plastic bag to share the prize he mumbled, "when you left I thought you were mad at me."

I was a bit upset, but I let it go.

We sat in the van and ate and drank together. He continuously slurred incoherent words while he ate his breakfast, lunch and maybe supper for the day and I understood that he was thankful. As I said my good-byes his semi-toothless smile and dirty smelly hug let me know the twenty minutes it took and the two dollars I spent, instead of shaking him off him by dropping twenty-five cents for a fictitious tortilla, was worth it. Jesus was there.

I went inside to set up for class.

Maybe your Lazarus isn't a drunk; maybe he isn't dirty and smelly; but there is somebody in your life, today, that needs to be touched with the love, grace and patience of God.

Be ready.

The star

2009-12-25T13:08:00.004-06:00

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 ESV

The Star lead the wise men from a far a way place to the house where Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus were living. It was their faithful guide.
Jesus, the bright morning star, is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Following Him and His direction, we will always make the right decisions and find the correct way.

The key? Keep the Star in the top place in your life, the first priority, the deciding factor, the ultimate guide. You’ll never go wrong.

“Bright and Morning Star, shine on me. Illuminate my life with your understanding and wisdom. Guide me into your truth for living. I will follow you where ever you lead.”

Other verses: 1 John 1:5; 1 John 2:8; Revelations 22:16; John 1:9; John 8:12; Psalm 119:105

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Jesus: the best present ever

2009-12-25T12:13:00.004-06:00

For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 ESV

The most dynamic aspect of Christmas is the exchange of gifts. Watching a small child giggle and smile as she gives gifts to others and rejoice as she opens hers will touch the heart of any parent. Giving is the essence of Christmas.

The primary reason for Christmas is to remember the birth of Jesus. Through Jesus and God’s abundant grace to us, we receive the gift of righteousness and eternal life. Jesus’ life and sacrifice was the first gift ever given; generosity began with Father God. Eternal life was the best gift ever given.

“Father God, thank you for the gift of righteousness and eternal life. I want to share it with others.”

Other verses: Romans 6:23; John 3:16

Advent 31 – The Star
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Wise Men

2009-12-24T18:23:00.005-06:00

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11 ESV

Context: Matthew 2:1-12

To the poor and despised shepherds and the rich and intellectual wise men, God’s message was the same, a King is born and a Savior has come. Worship him, Christ the Lord.

Our life, our possessions and our worship are costly gifts; let us place them at Jesus’ feet like the wise men brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh before Him. The great cost of time, money and effort is minimal in comparison to His gift of grace, forgiveness, and salvation. Let’s worship Jesus as King and Lord.

“My Savior and King, I worship you and place my life, my possessions, and my desires at your feet to be used in your service in the manner you desire.”

Advent 30 – Jesus; The Best Present
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Shepherds

2009-12-24T16:39:00.007-06:00

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."

And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. Luke 2:15-18 ESV

The Shepherds and the Angels: Luke 2:8-20

The shepherds acted instantly on the angels’ song and that rocked their world. They went to Bethlehem to see what God had spoken to them: the baby lying in a manger. They shared their story with Mary and Joseph, they told all they met about the child, and they returned to their sheep “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” Their lives had been forever changed.

The shepherds were transformed because they acted on the revelation God sent them. They changed the world because they shared that revelation with others. What an awesomely simple story!

“God of the Heavens, speak to my life and transform my world. I praise your name for all you have done in me. I am your willing messenger.”

Advent 29 – The Wise Men
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

She Laid Him in a Manger

2009-12-24T16:32:00.004-06:00

Joseph went up from Galilee… to Bethlehem… to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7 ESV

“Who dares make light of small beginnings?” Jesus was born in a stable, laid in a manger, lived in Nazareth and died on a cross. Nothing indicated he would be of great influence, but he is the most influential man of all times.

Insignificant? I don’t believe so. God lived on earth as a man, so he could redeem us from sin. Maybe it was a seemingly poor and unimportant beginning, but the eternal result is unbelievably, marvelous, wonderful, and awesome. The King of kings’ earthly debut started with a stable as his castle and a manger as his throne. The impact was eternal.

“King Jesus, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. May I present you in a worthy manner to those around me.”

Other verses: Job 8:7; Zechariah 4:10

Advent 28 – The Shepherds
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Born in Bethlehem – Insignificance?

2009-12-24T11:27:00.007-06:00

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son… Luke 2:4-7 ESV

It doesn’t matter how insignificant you might feel or if others notice you, God knows you and sees your impact. Bethlehem was small and unimportant, yet God took note and sent His Son there to be born. Because of that birth, the world knows of Bethlehem and her Son; Jesus, the Christ.

As we allow God to be birthed into our lives, He will impact others and we will have a place in eternity’s history. As we allow God to move in us, He will bring security and peace to our sphere of influence and to the ends of the earth.

“Almighty God, thank you for noticing me. Fill me with your Spirit and move through me to bring security and peace to my world.”

The prophecy of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2-5

Advent 27 – She Laid Him in a Manger
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

His Name Is John

2009-12-24T08:32:00.006-06:00

And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And they all wondered.

And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.

And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied... Luke 1:62-67 ESV

The story of John's birth: Luke 1:57-80

Given a second chance Zechariah confirmed “John” as his son’s name. In this moment, the Holy Spirit came upon him and he prophesied greatness over his son’s life. Although not a believer at first, being mute for nine months left Zechariah a lot of time to think. He understood and agreed with God’s promise.

Let’s not wait for a second chance to believe and obey. Listen, believe, receive and act in faith, today. Begin with promises in the Bible and continue on with the promises He makes as you meditate on His Word. Declare his goodness, agree with the promise, and walk in the power of His word.

“God of the Impossible Promise, I will believe and act on your promises. Speak to me today.”

Other verse: Luke 1:37

Advent 26 – Born in Bethlehem
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Mary’s Song - The Magnificant

2009-12-23T08:26:00.007-06:00

And Mary Said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generations to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.” Luke 1:46-55 NIV

Elizabeth and Mary rejoiced together as their offspring cheered the goodness of God. Elizabeth honored God’s blessing in Mary while Mary praised Him. In their mothers’ wombs, cousins John and Jesus celebrated each other. John delighted in his Lord. What a party!

Mary sang of God’s favor. She gloried in God her Savior and proclaimed His greatness as “the Mighty One.” She exalted Him mentioning the “scattering of the proud” and remembering His blessing over Abraham and his family. What a beautiful song of praise!

What blessings present and past provoke worship in your heart?

"Good and merciful God, I thank you for your blessings. Thank you for my life and my family; for provision and protection; and for your goodness and salvation."

Advent 25: His Name is John
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Announcements

2009-12-21T15:17:00.007-06:00

“I am the Lord’s servant.” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. From Luke 1:26-38 NIV

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. From Matthew 1:18-25 NIV

There was a special purpose for the lives of Joseph and Mary; they were the earthly parents of Jesus, God Incarnate. They suffered injustice and misunderstanding. They faced impossibilities and dangers. Even then, through their words and actions both responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. I will do Your will.”

Although we will never live same circumstances Mary and Joseph did, the destiny of God on our lives is still important. Everybody has a special purpose from God and their own circle of influence. Even if there is danger of misunderstanding or false accusation, even if we might suffer injustice, let us say, “I am the Lord’s servant. I will do Your will.”

“Spirit of God, speak to me. I am your servant. Work your will in my life.”

Advent 24: Mary’s Song
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

I Send My Messenger

2009-12-21T11:27:00.005-06:00

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,” John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:2-4 ESV

Prophecies of John's coming: Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1

John the Baptist was the messenger that prepared the way for the first coming of Jesus, the Messiah. He announced the need for changed hearts and the forgiveness of sins. When Jesus came, people were ready and waiting for him.

Today, we are the messengers that prepare the way for Jesus’ coming: the coming to people’s hearts and the second coming to the earth. We must proclaim the forgiveness of sins for the repentant heart that believes in Jesus and accepts his love. If we do not share the good news, how can the world know the Christ and who will be waiting?

“Jesus, I want my heart to be prepared and I want to tell others of your love.”

Other verses: Matthew 11:10, Mark 1:2; Luke 1:76; Romans 10:14-15

Advent 23: The Announcements

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Alpha and the Omega

2009-12-21T06:51:00.007-06:00

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.To the one who is thirsty I will give water free of charge from the spring of the water of life. Revelations 21:6 ESV

Who has prepared and done this, calling forth and guiding the destinies of the generations [of the nations] from the beginning? I, the Lord--the first [existing before history began] and with the last [an ever-present, unchanging God]--I am He. Isaiah 41:4 Amplified

Alpha-the beginning…

Before all time was… Christ was God. The faithfulness of God through Christ Jesus is from before the beginning of time until after the end of eternity. He is ever-present, God-unchanging, always faithful, always true. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Even in the most difficult of situations, God is with us. He was there at the beginning and he will be there at the end, He is always present and always the same: unchanging God of love.

…Omega-the end

“Alpha and Omega, thank you for always being with me, unchanging, always good, faithful and true.”

Other verses: Jeremiah 33:11; Nahum 1:7; John 1:1

Advent 22: I Send My Messenger

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

He Is Building His Temple

2009-12-19T20:01:00.006-06:00

"Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: for he shall branch out from his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD. It is he who shall build the temple of the LORD and shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne. And there shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both." Zechariah 6:12-13 ESV

God favors personal relationships over beautiful buildings (nothing against beautiful buildings). He is building a tabernacle made of people that worship Him in spirit and truth; we are the living stones he is using.

The Priest-King takes us, His lively stones, and nails us together with the spikes of His love and bonds us with the mortar of the fellowship of the saints. When we unite with others to worship Him, the King sits on the throne we erect. Let's exalt Him in our secret place and publicly as a community; this is our spiritual sacrifice, perfect and acceptable to God.

"Lord Jesus, inhabit the songs of my heart. Place your throne there. Join me to others and build yourself a spiritual house to dwell in."

Other verses: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 2:21-22; 1 Peter 2:5; Revelations 21:3

Advent 21 The Alpha and the Omega
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

King of Peace

2009-12-18T16:01:00.005-06:00

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. Zechariah 9:9 ESV

Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem as the King of Peace, not on a horse as a king of war. He knew he was soon to enter the bloodiest and most difficult conflict of his life, but He also knew that three days later He would rise from the dead, totally victorious.

The time in between his death and his resurrection he “cut off the chariot and the war horse and the battle bow.” He defeated Satan on his own territory. When he rose again, he came “speaking peace and ruling to the ends of the earth.”

“King of Peace, rule in me. As an ambassador of Christ I will proclaim His victory over Satan and His soon coming as King of kings and Lord of lords.”

Other verses: Matthew 21:6-11; John 12:12-15

Advent 20: He Is Building His Temple

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Shoot of Jesse, the Branch of Righteousness

2009-12-18T06:54:00.006-06:00

Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.' Jeremiah 23:5-6 ESV

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2 And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:1-3 ESV

Notice the people among Jesus’ ancestors: Rahab the harlot and Ruth the Moabite. God wasn’t influenced by their sin or race; David was still chosen to be the bloodline of the Messiah. An adulterer and a murderer, he wasn’t an especially worthy man himself.

Besides defects, what do these three have in common? They had faith and they had repentant and obedient hearts. They became the roots and the stump where the shoot of Jesse grew. Jesus, the LORD our righteousness, came from a family of sinful people. That encourages me because none of us are perfect and God still wants to use us. That's grace!

‘Jesus, be the wise and understanding King of my heart. Grow there to be the Branch of Righteousness of my life.”

Advent 19: King of Peace

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Spirit of the LORD is Upon Me

2009-12-17T06:22:00.002-06:00

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion-- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3 ESV

God’s Spirit was sent for a purpose. Jesus didn’t minister publicly until the Dove descended upon him and His last commandment to the disciples was wait for the power of the Spirit. Years later, Paul encourages the constant filling of the Spirit. The “oil of God” is important for effective ministry.

The Spirit’s purpose is clear. He brings good news; strengthens the weak; frees the captive; opens blind eyes; encourages the repentant; and gives joy to the sad and crying. The Spirit plants us as solid oaks in His righteousness.

“Spirit of God come upon me as I share the good news and bring hope and healing to the hurt and discouraged. Strengthen me in Your righteousness as I live to bring you glory.”

Other verses: Luke 4:18-19; 24:49; Romans 1:17; 3:21-24; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 5:18

Advent 18: The Shoot of Jesse, the Branch of Rightousness

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Lamb of God

2009-12-16T16:19:00.002-06:00

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? Isaiah 53:4-8 ESV

We find the ultimate expression God’s love in the Suffering Servant; the Lamb of God, slain to take away the sin of the world. Father God did not manipulate Jesus to obey His design, nor did the soldiers drag him to his death. He decided to die. He willingly went to the judgment and to the cross, silently, like a sheep before its shearers.

Instead of crushing the bruised or discouraging the depressed, he took their wounds and transgressions on himself; he suffered the punishment for their sins and the stripes for their healing. Jesus: the totally sufficient sacrifice lamb.

“Lamb of God, forgive me, heal me, encourage me. You are the only adequate sacrifice. Thank you for forgiving me and cleansing of my sins.”

Matthew 27:13, 14; John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelations 5:6

Advent 17: The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Me

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Light for the Nations

2009-12-15T15:33:00.004-06:00

I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 42:6, 7 ESV
It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6 ESV
My eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. Luke 2:30-32 ESV

Jesus is the light for the nations, the light to the Gentiles. God’s plan is to redeem mankind and to bless the world, not just a chosen few from one nation or a select religious elite. Paul reminds us that God desires all people to be saved and to know the truth.

Jesus is the light. He is the way, the truth and the life revealed to the world so all that believe in Him can be God’s sons. The light leads to the correct path; it helps see beauty and truth. Let Jesus’ light shine in and through you!

“Light of the World shine on me; reveal your splendor. Help me reflect your glory and illuminate those around me.”

Other verse - 1 Timothy 2:3

Advent 16: The Lamb of God

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Servant King

2009-12-15T07:55:00.004-06:00

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth. Isaiah 42:1-4 ESV

Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:43 ESV

The title public servant is common but the concept of being a leader and a servant isn’t. Isaiah’s servant is anointed by the Spirit and brings justice, but his justice will not bruise or break. The Servant King, just as the Good Shepherd, will guard the weak and dependent, taking them in his arms to protect and carry them.

Jesus came to serve. He became a man and died an unjust death. He gave his life so we could live. Instead of pursuing a political kingdom with its riches and power, he humbled himself and become a servant. Through service his kingdom was established.

“King Jesus, anoint me with the spirit of service. Help me not promote myself, but to love, care for and bless others.”

Advent 15: Light for the Nations

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The way up is down; the road to influence is the path of service.

Proclaim the Good News from the Mountain Top

2009-12-14T15:48:00.006-06:00

I rewote this post as The Shepherd King I think it better follows the sequence of the prophetic names of Jesus. Still, we do need to go and tell the good news to the world. - Earl
You who bring good tidings to Zion, get up to the high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength… be not afraid; say to the cities of Judah. Behold, the Lord God will come with might, and His arm will rule for Him. Isaiah 40:9-10 Amplified

We emphasize the less important things so much that we often forget the actual reason we celebrate Christmas. We must remind ourselves and others of Jesus’ birth, God became a man.

Go to the top of the Mountain and proclaim the good news and publish His peace. Especially at this time of year, don’t be ashamed of Jesus and CHRISTmas. The angels sang it to the shepherds and the shepherds told it to the people they met. Their joy was uncontainable. They had to shout it out. And You?

“Emmanuel, God with us, I want to share the good news. I want to express the joy of You in my life. I want to shout it from the mountain tops.”

Other verses: Isaiah 52:7; 61:1; Nahum 1:15 ; Romans 10:15

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Shepherd King

2009-12-14T11:41:00.001-06:00

He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11 ESV

And I will set up over them one shepherd… he shall feed them and be their shepherd. Ezekiel 34:23-25 ESV

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 ESV

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I know my own and my own know me. John 10:11, 14, 15 ESV

The devoted shepherd carries the lambs and gently leads his sheep. He feeds and protects the flock. He drives evil away from the fields, so the sheep can sleep in peace.

The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He supplies pastures of fresh tender grass. He finds calm waters. He provides a peaceful atmosphere where the sheep can rest. When the flock is attacked, the Good Shepherd protects the sheep from danger. He gives his life for his sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

“Good Shepherd, I place myself in your care. Lead me, guide me, feed me, and protect me. You are my Shepherd. I want to hear, know, and obey your voice.”

Other verses: Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:26-30

Advent 14: The Servant King

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Belt of Righteousness and Faithfulness

2009-12-14T10:42:00.004-06:00

With righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist and faithfulness the belt of his loins. Isaiah 11:4-5 ESV

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. Isaiah 61:1 ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESV

The Anointed Judge brings good news to the broken, wounded and captive. Righteousness and faithfulness are His foundation. He heals our wounds and strengthens our broken hearts; he frees us from the habits that enslave us and the thoughts that imprison us. He provides for us his righteousness, victory and life.

Even though we are unfaithful to him, He remains faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Christ provides for our forgiveness, healing and freedom. He is faithful and true, and his mercies are new every morning.

“Anointed Lord, forgive my unfaithfulness. Anoint me to announce your goodness. Help me minister to the poor and wounded, the broken and captive, and be an example of your righteousness and faithfulness.”

Other verses: Rom. 3:3; 1 John 1:9

Advent 13: The Shepherd King

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Prince of Peace

2009-12-13T16:22:00.003-06:00

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 ESV

Isaiah prophesied Christ the governing ruler and his birth as a son. His name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.

Living under His direction as our Counselor and Extraordinary Strategist, we will make the right decisions. Submitting to the sovereignty of Mighty God the warrior, we will experience His victory. Accepting the forgiveness of the everlasting Father, we will feel loved and accepted in Him. Allowing the Prince of Peace to reign over our lives, we will know peace and relationships will be restored with Him and others.

“Prince of Peace, establish your Kingdom in my heart, reign in my life, counsel me in my decisions and pour out your love through me.”

Advent 12: The Belt of Righteousness and Faithfulness

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Born of a Virgin

2009-12-12T15:30:00.004-06:00

The Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us). Isaiah 7:14 ESV

Divine choreography: God wrote the script, directed the play and was the primary actor. He desires our participation and allows our improvisation with complete knowledge that the redemptive plan will be fulfilled.

A righteous sacrifice to cancel the price of sin required a perfect man. God himself was the only one that could take the part and his stage entrance was the virgin birth.

God came as Jesus. Born of Mary, a virgin, he lived as a man on the earth, he died and was resurrected. God with us is the divine act.

“Emmanuel, dwell in me. I will be a part in your play so the world can see and know and experience your love, heaven on earth.”

Advent 11: Prince of Peace

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Righteous Scepter

2009-12-12T07:43:00.004-06:00

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel. Numbers 24:17a ESV

But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.” Hebrews 1:8 ESV

The star and scepter speak of the Messiah’s royalty and authority. He would rise a powerful king to destroy all the enemies of Israel. The religious leaders interpreted these ideas exclusively as a national, political leader that would free them from Roman oppression. They disregarded the Christ that walked and talked with them.

Hebrews extends the metaphor to a scepter of uprightness. Jesus came to rise as the righteous king of power and authority in our hearts, establishing his kingdom of righteousness there. We must therefore receive his authority and extend the Kingdom of Heaven to the ends of the earth.

“Righteous King, rule in my life. I accept your righteousness and authority. Empower me for the purpose of influencing others in just and moral living.”

Advent 10: Born of a Virgin

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Snake on a pole

2009-12-11T15:47:00.005-06:00

Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live. Numbers 21:9 ESV

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14, 15 ESV

In Numbers the serpent image used in Genesis is renewed representing temptation and the results of sin. For murmuring against the authority of God in their community the people of Israel were dying. We too have rebelled against God and our relation with Him is lost.

John foretold that the “Son of man” was to be lifted up like the bronze serpent in the desert. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy by becoming sin and dying on the cross. If we will look up to Him in faith we will have eternal life. What an awesome gift.

“Merciful LORD, forgive my rebellious thoughts and actions. Cleanse me from my disobedience. Restore my relationship with you. Give me your life.”

Other verse: Isaiah 53:4-5

Advent 9: The Righteous Scepter

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Prophet’s trumpet [a prophet like Moses]

2009-12-10T11:31:00.004-06:00

The LORD your God will raise up… a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers--it is to him you shall listen-- And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. Deuteronomy 18:15, 18b ESV

Moses spoke with God and for God. There was no other prophet like him: humble and meek; full of power and resolution; obedient and courageous. He prophesied the Messiah’s coming declaring he would be “a prophet like me from among you.”

As the Israelites obeyed Moses, they were led out of slavery into the land of promise. Jesus, God Incarnate and the greatest of all prophets, leads us out of slavery to pride, rebellion, and fear; into the promise land of life in abundance.

Lead on!

“Jesus, lead me out of bondage into your freedom. Reveal to me the areas in my life in which I am still a slave and the promise land I should, by your Spirit, aggressively conquer.”

Advent 8: Snake on a Pole

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Sacrifice of Isaac

2009-12-10T11:21:00.005-06:00

Abraham … looked and… behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket... [he] took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. Abraham called… that place, "The LORD will provide"; the angel of the LORD called to Abraham [again]… and said, "By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you… [parts of verses from Gen 22:13-17 ESV]

Abraham demonstrated faith through obedience and his son was saved. God provided a ram so the promise, Isaac, would not be sacrificed. Abraham then named the place, “the LORD will provide.” God had made a way where there was no way; He supplied a sacrifice where there was no sacrifice.

We have no righteousness of our own, but God offers us His righteousness through the sacrifice of Jesus. In the same way that God provided a ram for Abraham through faith, faith is our key to receiving His forgiveness, righteousness, life and blessing.

God loved us so, that He gave His only son. John 3:16

“Jesus, I receive your forgiveness and life that was provided for us as a gift through the sacrifice of your life on the Cross. Thank you.”

Advent 7: The Prophet's Trumpet

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Promise of a Messiah

2009-12-10T06:27:00.005-06:00

Genesis 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.

God didn’t wait to solve the problem of man’s transgression. Genesis 3:15 declares the Christ’s virgin birth, crucifixion, resurrection and victory. The complete story was foretold.

Jesus, born of a virgin, was the offspring of woman. Wounded for our transgressions, his death was temporary. It was just a bruised heel. Yes, He rose from the dead on the third day. Yet, the damage inflicted to the enemy’s head was permanent and fatal. Satan suffered total defeat when the bruised heel shattered his skull. Jesus’ death and resurrection gave us complete victory over Satan. God’s promise revealed.

“Christ, I receive the forgiveness you died for and the righteousness you rose to give. You are my victory, my LORD.”

Advent 6: The Sacrifice of Isaac

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Fall of Man

2009-12-09T15:08:00.005-06:00

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Genesis 3:6-8 ESV

Mankind’s history starts with a personal, face-to-face relationship with God. Adam and Eve began their life in Eden with an incredible opportunity-to know God and to be known by Him; and a protective limitation-don’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Incredible!

The wonderful story became a depressing tragedy. Adam and Eve pursued their selfish desires instead of following the caring guidelines of God; they ate the prohibited fruit and became conscious of good and evil. The result, fear, hid them from God, isolating them from the very life-giving source that had created them, Father God. Unbelievable, but true!

“Father God, I do not want to be cut off from you. I long to know you as I am known. I want to live according to your wisdom every day.”

Advent 5: The Promise of a Messiah

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Creation of Man

2009-12-09T06:19:00.004-06:00

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. ESV

Genesis 2:7, then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. ESV

The amazing aspect of the creation of man is God didn’t just speak Adam into existence. He bent down and with his hands made man’s body out of the dirt. God was personally involved.

God then invested of himself by breathing his life into man. In this way, God created man in his image, spirit. The rest of creation shows the glory of God and God’s spirit is everywhere, but man holds a particular distinction over the rest of the animal kingdom. Man is spirit and God’s Spirit dwells in man.

“Jesus, breathe your breath in me even as the Father did in Adam and as you did in your disciples. Spirit of God, give me your living life, today.”

Advent 4 -The Fall of Man

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

He is… Creator and Sustainer of the Universe

2009-12-08T12:13:00.003-06:00

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Col 1:15-17 ESV

Not only was Jesus before the creation of the earth, He is also the Creator and Sustainer of the whole universe. He is the intelligent designer of our world. He holds all things in their place. Ephesians says we are the workmanship of his hands and John taught us that without Christ we can do nothing. As the center of our universe, Jesus is the gravity that holds our life together so through Him we can fulfill his design and purpose for our lives.

“Jesus, Creator and Sustainer, I give to you the throne at the center of my being. I want all I say and do to be controlled by your gravitational pull so I will always please you and complete your design for my life.”

Other verses: Heb 1:3; Is. 48:13

Advent 3 - The Creation of Man

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

He was… In the beginning

2009-12-08T07:07:00.003-06:00

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5 ESV

It all began before all was…

Jesus is God: always has been and always will be.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The belief that Jesus is God is the distinguishing point of Christianity and all else we believe is built upon that truth. If Jesus is not God, Jehovah, Yahweh, we are no different than any other religion or belief system.

“Jesus, my God, my LORD, my Savior, who always has been and will always be, I give my life to you, to serve you and to extend your Kingdom by manifesting Heaven on earth, today.”

Advent 2 Creator and Sustainer of the Universe

Advent – Emmanuel, God with Us

2009-12-08T06:57:00.004-06:00

For the Rutledge family, 15 or so years ago we began celebrating Advent with the Advent Tree and the Advent Wreath. The tradition started with some ideas from Focus on the Family. We took those readings and made them our own over the next 2-3 years. Now, we have a month of symbols and verses that help us remember why we celebrate Christmas.
The focus is not the date, instead our desire is to remember that God was born as a baby in Bethlehem, he lived and grew up in Nazareth, he died on the cross for our sins, he was resurrected from the dead, he ascended to Heaven and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. All had been prophesied by the Old Testament prophets. Christmas reminds us of the beginning, God became a man and dwelt among us.
We made the symbols as a family, adding to them each year and changing the order until we were satisfied. Now we have our sequence with symbol and verse that remains the same each year, yet each year we present and remember the symbols in a different way.
Today I start, late, a series of posts on based on our celebration of Advent. It’s actually going to be simple:

a title – the main idea
a verse – God’s truth for us
a symbol – a visual aid to help us remember
a thought – a challenge, an idea, a remembrance for the day
a prayer – I want today to be His day

Since I’m almost two weeks behind I will do two posts a day until I have caught up. I don’t want to wait until next year to follow through with my idea and share with you our tradition and celebration. Enjoy and remember…
“God is with us, Emmanuel.”

Advent 1 - He was… In the beginning

New Life with Advent

2009-12-07T17:08:00.003-06:00

I will this evening bring life to Thoughts and Reflection by making a daily post about Advent, the coming of our LORD.

Although I'm actually several days behind to do a daily post for thirty days, one a day until Christmas, I will catch up and do posts as daily as possible.

Let us not forget the reason for the Christmas season, the remembrance of the birth Jesus of Nazareth, God incarnate.

The Glow

2009-10-04T22:47:00.001-05:00

We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

As Moses’ face glowed when he came down from spending 40 days face to face with God, our face will “glow” more and more as we spend more time in God’s presence, face to face with Him. We will reflect the Lord’s glory. Therefore, first lets enter His presence with confidence and stay there. Secondly, let us not cover our “face”. Without apology let us shine God’s glory with unveiled faces. Finally, let us be continually changed with a constantly increasing glory being seen in our lives.

A Prologue

2009-07-29T12:38:00.004-05:00

Uncared for and in disarray, the abandoned village stood hidden in the shadows of a forgotten forest. Covered with thick moss and moist decay, the lonely walls stood neglected, longing for a concerned soul to clear the fallen trees and rebuild the broken and rotting structures. The cold, fertile ground lay desolate, leaf and limb strewn, soaking up the stagnant drizzle that gives birth to greater growth, covering the past with deeper life crushing waste, blurring the history of a once beautiful Eden with ungrateful abandonment and forgetful sleep, deep beneath death and despair.

Meditation

2009-07-07T15:37:00.002-05:00

Meditation has more to do with filling yourself with His thoughts than it does emptying yourself of yours.

Sincerity

2009-07-04T12:54:00.003-05:00

Sincerity is worth more than trying hard.

...a thought from July 3rd.

See post on A Look in the Mirror

Liberty and Freedom - random thoughts for thought

2009-07-01T10:11:00.001-05:00

These are random thoughts for thought, not necesaritly agreement or
disagreement with them. Let's think a while.

"Liberty without learning is always in peril; learning without liberty
is always in vain." - John F. Kennedy

The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from
the hand of God." John F. Kennedy

"If you are faithful to what I have said, you are truly my disciples.
And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free!" - Jesus

True liberty and personal freedom are directly related to learning,
knowledge and practice.

Ignorance might be bliss, but it does not lead to true and lasting
freedom and liberty.

Knowledge is necessary for advancement and success, but if it's not
true and accurate or if it is not lived and applied, it does not lead
to liberty.

Practice is always necessary, but practice does not make perfect.
Others have said, "perfect practice makes perfect." We must put in
practice the knowledge we have learned. Interesting thoughts...

Learning, knowledge and practice must all go together to acheive
liberty, freedom and success. Learning and application / practice of
new and accurate knowledge of the truth will lead to freedom.

These three (learning, knowledge and practice) are vitally important
to attain and maintain freedom, liberty and success in any area of our
lives.

freedom - The capacity to exercise choice; free will

liberty - freedom from control, interference, obligation, restriction,
hampering conditions, etc.; power or right of doing, thinking,
speaking, etc., according to choice.

Works and Faith

2009-06-17T09:33:00.001-05:00

So then they said to him, "What must we do to accomplish the deeds (works) God requires." Jesus replied. "This is the deed God requires - to believe in the one whom he sent." [NET]

Then they said to him, how may we do the works of God? Jesus answering, said to them. This is to do the work of God, to have faith in him whom God has sent. [BBE]

So, the question here in John 6:28-29 could be:

What works do we have to do? or

How do we do the works God does?

To either one the answer is the same. Believe [have faith in] in the one he [God] sent, Jesus Christ.

Can't Do It. -- OK, Watch This

2009-06-16T08:13:00.001-05:00

Interestingly, Andrew, in John 6:9, brings forward a boy with 5 pieces of bread and 2 fish to ask, "but what is this worth when there are so many people? Jesus, we can't do anything. What we have just isn't enough."

Andrew was presenting the impossibility of the situation: 5000 men plus others and this kid gives us his lunch.

Jesus took the very challenge of only having 5 pieces of bread and 2 fish, and used it for a miracle. He used the very proof of lack to provide for the masses of people.

Jesus, take my life and make it a resource for your miraculous working to provide today for the masses of hungry people.

Wisdom

2009-06-16T07:47:00.001-05:00

"No man was ever wise by chance." - Lucius Annaeus Seneca

To My Lord, My Grace

2009-06-02T13:32:00.002-05:00

Joy and pleasure in Your presence
Knowing You in effervescence
Not in public presentation
Nor Spirit power demonstration,
But peace and joy -ecstatic grace-
Alone with You in the secret place.

Life

2009-05-23T10:11:00.001-05:00

"Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well." - Josh Billings

Wisdom

2009-03-10T09:50:00.000-05:00

Alfred Lord Tennyson - "Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers."

thanks for the reminder

2009-02-07T10:44:00.001-06:00

"be subversive, missional, relational.......please"

My friend, thanks for reminding me to never forget we have a mission achieved primarily by relations in a non-religious manner. Forward with the cause!!!

A Strange Pligrim

2008-11-29T09:13:00.002-06:00

While reading 1 Peter 2:11 today, I began to reminisce over the distant past and memories from teenage days long ago.

I call upon you as strangers and sojourners, to keep from the fleshly desires, that war against the soul. 1 Peter 2:11 Young's Literal Translation

I entreat you as pilgrims and foreigners... Weymouth New Testament

...foreigners and exiles... New English Translation

We are in this world but not of it. Through Jesus we are a totally new race. We are sheep among wolves. Our minds are to be transformed and metamorphazised into God's way of thinking . We have been moved from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of His dear son, Jesus. We are light in the darkness. All these are ideas of differentness. This is what we are to be; not weird, but different. The idea of being a foreigner and pilgrim, a stranger and sojourner has been a concept in my mind since I was a teenager. I guess it's always been an integral part of my destiny. It's part of who I am.

Being Christian, not participating in "the world", moving to a new city between my 10th and 11th grade in high school, going to Jamaica right after high school and then a year later living a in Venezuela for 13 months, all go together to put the Third-Culture-Kid into me [TCK - someone that is a combination of two cultures but doesn't fit completely into either]. Even though I grew up in the States the all of my early life, til I was 18, I have always had a bit of a different culture in me. And that is probably the reason I so identify with the idea of being a stranger and sojourner in this world.

Maybe that's why being a "foreigner" to me is no big deal. Maybe that's why moving from city to city is not a major event. Maybe that's why this Strange Pilgrim is such a content sojourner in this world. I'm still uncomfortable with change and uncertainty, but I'm willing and ready to go forward. And, I see that I'm even more uncomfortable with the status quo and the danger of becoming stagnant. What contradictions I find in my life, feelings and emotions! Desire for security and comfort, yet the need to take risks and move forward to new challenges and adventures. That's a part of who I am. I am a stranger, a foreigner and a pilgrim in this world. My home is in another land.

Looking

2008-11-21T16:40:00.001-06:00

"You must look into people as well as at them." - Lord Chesterfield

Italics mine.

Radical 2

2008-09-25T09:19:00.003-05:00

Seth Godin in his blog mentioned that people who are "irrationally committed" to their project as parents, entrepreneurs, sales people and service providers are very probably on the way to a successful break through of some type. "Irrationally committed", I believe, is connected to being radical or fanatic [previous post] about what you do in life. It has something to do with passionately living on the edge in your personal and daily relationship with God.

Radical

2008-09-17T09:56:00.001-05:00

"Nothing ever gets done unless it's done by a fanatic." Martin Sheen

Success continued

2008-09-12T14:06:00.001-05:00

"The way to succeed is to double your error rate." Thomas J. Watson

Getting Where We Are Going

2008-08-30T00:53:00.000-05:00

"If we don't change directions soon, we'll end up where we're going."
- Professor Irwin Corey

Big Skies

2008-08-25T13:16:00.000-05:00

As we traveled through the northwestern states of South Dakota and
Wyoming I have seen why they call Montana the "Big Sky State". The
skies are huge. They seem to go on forever. It was the the same
feeling I had when in Iglesia San Jose in Jinotega. It's bigger that
life... it's emmense, large and expansive.

I've reread the poem I wrote in Jinotega titled ETERNITY: I think of
the tourist poster I saw in Wyoming ['For generations finding yourself
has come right after discovering your insignificance'] and I
acknowlidge that I am insignificant in comparison to JAH, yet
important enough in his eyes for Him to give his life to ransom me and
restore me to perfect relation with Him. Yes, even though we are
insignificant in comparison to GOD, we are of great significance in
His eyes. The psalmist wrote, "who is man that YOU are mindful of
him?" We are the His creation, the work of His hands.

The largest taconite mine in the world - Hibbing, MN - , the awesome
multigeneration and bigger that life sculpture of Mt Rushmore, the
achievements of man in flight and space are all shadows in comparison
to the handi work of God's creation. And the greatest, the apex of all
God's creation is mankind. To man, God gave the privilege to totally
enjoy all creation, the responsibility to care for it and the ability
to increase, multiply and extend it.

He made us in His image. He grows us in His caracter [the fruit of the
Spirit] and He empowers us with the Holy Spirit and His gifts; all for
the purpose of establishing through us His kingdom on Earth as it is
in Heaven.

As I look toward tomorrow to peer into the future I see Big Skies,
unlimited possibllities and divine destiny. Eternity is written in our
hearts. The possibilities are endless. "I have a good and great and
awesome future full of hope and possibilities beyond your
imagination," says the LORD.

BIG SKIES ahead!!! Eternity is waiting.

A Short "Rest" before getting on the Road Again

2008-08-25T12:59:00.001-05:00

Since the last comment we have seen the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, the
Air and Space Museum and Sturgon Motorcycle Museum all in Wyoming.

We moved on to Yellowstone National Park for 4 nights and 3 days. Wow,
what a diverse expresion of the glory of God.

Passing through Grand Teton National Park we spent 3 days moving on to
Hood River, Oregon to meet up with Scott Rich and stay at his house in
White Salmon, Washington. That is where we are now.

The boys had a great time at an awsome skateboard park here on Friday
afternoon.

The first day, Saturday, was rest for me. 5 hours of sleep -10am til
3pm - was refreshing. The boys are having a ball with Scott's 2 boys.
Sunday we went to church with Ronnie and rested again. Today it's the
skatepark again, lunch with Bev's cousins and swimming. Cousins
tomorrow, fishin', river rafting, and whoknows what else in the next 5
days.

Then we'll be heading south to California and starting back east
through the Grand Canyon. Who knows what else will happen in the nest
3 weeks.

Go West Young Man

2008-08-12T06:07:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we started our trip west. Today we'll see the Badlands and
Minuteman Missle National Park.

It is 6AM and we almost have the van packed, tents and all. It still
fits.

Tomorrow we should have a lighter day. Maybe we'll see Mt. Rushmore
and rest a bit. God has blessed.

GPS and God

2008-07-29T07:40:00.000-05:00

We have been greatly blessed on our trip in the States with lots of camping on two month loan. God is good. One of the blessings provided has been a Global Positioning System. It sure helps get from one place to another, especially when we "don't know where we're going.”

The key to obtaining complete benefit and profitable results is entering the correct address and carefully following the directions given, even when you think you know better. This isn't to say that the GPS has always been right, but I've been wrong many, many more times than the computer.

God is the GPS of life. He always knows the best route for getting us to His desired location and fulfilling His destiny for our lives. Ps. 23 tells us He is "a lamp to my feet and a light into my path." I believe the same guidelines regarding the GPS will apply as we seek to follow Him. We must carefully follow Him even when we think He is wrong. "There is a way that seems right to man but the end of it is death," is the wisdom of Proverbs and Romans extends the idea when Paul writes about "the good and perfect and acceptable will of God.”

Do we really believe He knows best? Do we really trust the eternally perfect and never wrong GPS of life? Have we truly put our trust in the wisdom of God Eternal? Each person must evaluate his own life to see if he himself is making the decisions in life or is he following the leading and will of God, our Eternal GPS.

"Here am I LORD send me."

another thought on Success

2008-07-25T08:18:00.001-05:00

"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get." - Dale Carnegie

A Thought on Words

2008-06-27T16:11:00.002-05:00

"I will never say anything that could not stand as the last thing I ever say."

Benjamin Zander quoting a survivor of the German war camps in regards to words.

TEDTalks (video) 6/25/2008 "Classical music with a Smile"

Fan the Flame - 2 Timothy 1:6-8

2008-06-23T14:28:00.009-05:00

Vicente Diaz shared an excellent teaching yesterday. The following are his main ideas

Fire must be taken care of to continue burning.

There are three basic componants neede for a fire to exist: heat, oxygen and fuel.

He compared the heat to believing God's words; oxygen to the Holy Spirit; and fuel to peoples' specific needs and stated that the presence of all three is required if there was to be a fire or a move of God in our lives.

In the Christian walk he mentioned 5 things we must believe:

we are sons of God
we are new creations
the Holy Spirit lives IN us
we have gifts
gifts from God are to edify and bless the church and others

He finalized with 3 things that will put out the fire and prevent the gifts of God in our lives: fear, shame and lack of love and compasion towards others

A gift that is not stirred up is a gift that will be lost.

There are fine young men rising up at La Fuente! Thanks Vicente!

Jinotega, A Church and Genesis 28:17-19

2008-06-21T10:34:00.028-05:00

Entering your presence
is to encounter a large and open space;
It is to extend horizans
beyond those seen before;
It is to remove limits
and fly with the LORD of the Heavens,
Creator and Sustainer of the Universe.
Entering Your presence
is to experience eternity.

The photo is of a the inside of Iglesia de los Angeles [Church of the Angels] in Jinotega.

On one of the posts in the back were these words:

This is the House of God

The door to Heaven

Genesis 28:17

The Potter and the Clay

2008-06-04T15:24:00.012-05:00

There are different types of clay and each one has it's special use. In North Nicaragua we have a lot of houses that are actually made of bricks, not just brick shells. The bricks are made of clay that is fired and then cemented together with morter to make walls and houses.

Here in Matagalpa we also have a black ceramic that is used to make different pieces of decorative pottery. It is formed, fired and then polished. Because of the unique elements in the clay it doesn't need to be painted, just polished.

There are many different types of clay, all created by God, with specific caracteristics and qualities that determine their use and purpose. The potter takes each clay and begins to work it removing rocks, straw, sticks, airbubbles, dry particles and sand. His purpose? ...the perfect work of the artist needs the removal of imperfections so the clay and the pot will not be ruined.

The same occurs in the Kingdom of God... we are all clay with different abilities, personalities, talents, etc. and in our clay we find rocks [character flaws], sticks and straw [good works to achieve God's favor and righteousness], dry clay and sand [personal failures] and air bubbles [lack of preparation and abilities]. The key is to stay on the potter's wheel and allow him to mold us and mold us according to His design. If the pot has some of the flaws in it or is damaged in to process, the potter may start over, and that isn't easy. On the contrary, many times starting over is shattering and requires brokennness, but the end result is a vessel of honor that will be a chosen work of the LORD.

Don't appologize for the type of clay you are. These characteristics are God given abilities and characteristics, but allow the potter to take out the rocks, sticks, sand and air bubbles. Don't confuse them. Allow the potter to make the decisions and in the moment of brokenness and starting over, don't get off the potter's wheel. Let Him mold you in the way he desires. He knows the exact purpose of your clay and he will mold you into the destiny he has planned, if we will let him.

I went to the potter's house, and sure enough, the potter was there, working away at his wheel. Whenever the pot the potter was working on turned out badly, as sometimes happens when you are working with clay, the potter would simply start over and use the same clay to make another pot. - Jeremiah 18 The Message

A Man of Full of God's Grace and Authority

2008-05-15T14:29:00.006-05:00

Friday, May 9, I was asked to translate for a visiting speaker for a local pastors' seminar. Since I really enjoy translating and since I want to help out with the pastors' group when ever I can, I agreed.

It was quite an experience and an awesome blessing. The man I was translating for was Emma Okorie, founder of Living Word Ministries - Nigeria. I translated during the morning and was super tired... Having to listen very closely because of his distint accent and having to also translate was definantely taxing, but it well worth the effort. The morning session dealt with Honoring the Call on Your life and the afternoon was about Apostolic Government and the Church.

Wow. I've been around the bush a few times in these past 40+ of being in the church; I've heard and read a lot of things regarding apostles and apostolic ministry, but this was the best.

Walk in the grace God has given with a humble heart, a servants attitude and an intimate relation with Him were the central theme in his message. I know I've heard the same on various occasions before, but I could tell he was real, a true man of the LORD. God's grace and authority were on him. It was so good and God was speaking to me so much that a few times I almost had to stop translating to soak it all in.

I was blessed, challenged and encouraged.

If for no other reason, God sent Emma Okorie to Nicaragua for me. Thank you Lord.

Wisemen

2008-05-11T09:16:00.001-05:00

"No wise man ever wished to be younger." - Jonathan Swift

step by step

2008-05-07T10:34:00.003-05:00

"I used to try and take things in leaps and bounds. Now I've realized it's got to be step by step." - Tommy Bolin

power to change

2008-05-07T10:34:00.001-05:00

"When you blame others, you give up your power to change." - Robert Anthony

The Worst of Failures

2008-05-02T11:53:00.002-05:00

"Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure." - George Edward Woodberry

This quote reminded me of a couple experiences I've had. While living in Managua I felt I should do some teaching and support of worship ministries in Bluefields on the "Atlantic coast, but I never did because I never had the money. How wrong I was! Later God challenged me as he let me know that it wasn't that the worship seminars never materialized because I didn't have the money. The reality of the situation was that I never had the money because I never followed through with the worship seminars. Mmmmm.

A few years later, as I began to perceive the need to do a series of praise, worship and prayer meetings in 8 different cities of Nicaragua, I remembered the situation with Bluefields and God's response to my excuse. For this ministry project I needed a very large sum of money and I needed it fast. I decided that I was not going to fail by not trying. I was going to go for it and if it resulted in defeat, at least I was going to have tried. I wasn't going "to die" lying down.

We were not defeated, but even if we had not been able to achieve the complete project we wouldn't have been failures, because we had walked with God and we had connected with His grace and purpose. As George Woodberry said, "Not to have tried is the true failure." The end of the story is that all of the time, the money, and the participants came together and the whole project, Proyecto Josafat, was a God moment. All the needs were met and we visited eight cities in the four corners of Nicaragua. People were touched and we impacted the history of Nicaragua.

God is waiting for his sons and daughters to move by faith, step out of the boat and walk on the water. I am sure that if more of us would take this risk there would be fewer and fewer failures in the Christian world. Instead, we would see the true Kingdom of Heaven advance in greater and more spectacular ways because nothing is to hard for the LORD.

Pigs and Kats (it’s a new breed)

2008-05-01T14:36:00.001-05:00

Pigs really enjoy a dirty, filthy mud-hole filled with tasty, succulent three day old garbage to eat and satisfy their hunger. Some people think that those little piggies are so “cute” and make fine pets. Well, all washed, perfumed, and shined up with a pink or blue ribbon tied around the neck, they may be publicly presentable, but they are still pigs. They are waiting the chance to return to their dirty mud-hole.

Other people would choose a respectable domesticed animal, like a kat for a pet. Yes, the kat is a clean animal without the habit of looking for trashed out dirty places to live in. It always lands on his feet, is affectionate and dependent on his owner. I believe it makes a much better pet. (Obviously this will be debated according to your own personal experiences and bias.)

When we were without Jesus we were so much like the pigs mentioned. We were constantly looking for our own mud hole of pride, rebellion, sex, drugs, alcohol, and hate. Or maybe we preferred self-sufficiency, independence, self-righteousness and good works. Still, the truth of the matter is, all this way of thinking and living stinks. Yes, and sin, at least for a time, is so enjoyable that the putrid smell of egoism, rebellion, selfishness or self-righteousness doesn’t even register in our minds. We were just a bunch of pigs. Oink, oink.

The good news is that we are now new creations in Christ Jesus, sons and daughters of God, righteous and holy before Him in Christ Jesus. We are being transformed in to His image. Now when we sin we may enjoy it in the moment, but the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts and quickly we say, “Uck! Something stinks like pigs around here!” Like the respectable cat we get cleaned up a fast as possible. We do not enjoy lying around in and wallowing in a stinky, smelly sloppy, slimy mud hole of sin. By God’s mercy and grace we have been changed. We quickly go to 1 John 1:9 and receive forgiveness and cleansing of all our unrighteousness.

Yes, we have been translated from darkness to light; we have been transformed from old to new. We are no longer pigs in Satan’s kingdom of darkness and sin. Now we are sons of God in the kingdom of His dear Son and we are enjoying the blessing of living powered by the Holy Spirit in His mercy and grace.

God Calls

2008-05-01T13:17:00.002-05:00

There is none that seeks/searches for God. Romans 3:11

God searches for us. He, by his grace and love, has placed the "desire for Him" in our being. Therefore, even the "hunger" or desire or seeking God on our part actually starts with Him, not with us. Our looking for God is a response to his kindness, patience, longsuffering, love and mercy (Romans 2:4).

It's not that mankind wants to find God. It's God who wants to save, redeem and rescue mankind.

Let's respond to his kindness and grace!

Just Trying Hard

2008-04-29T08:26:00.005-05:00

Striving is trying to do it yourself.
Trying hard is not the same as obeying.

One will strive as he himself makes tries to obey what he has heard from God, but he could also obey in faith, receiving God's grace on his life and see the power and presence of God manifest to "complete the work".

Peter didn't strive as he got out of the boat. He just obeyed Jesus' words. He did not try to walk on the water. He did it. The striving started when he began looking at and focusing on what he was doing instead of trusting in Jesus.

Stop striving. Stop doing things in your own strength. Stop working so God will be with you. Yes, stop striving. Let Christ live his life through you.

Believe, receive, obey and do the works of Jesus.

Understanding and Living Life - an interesting thought

2008-03-25T11:51:00.001-05:00

"Life must be understood backwards; but... it must be lived forward." - Soren Kierkegaard

I knew somebody said it...

2008-03-25T09:24:00.001-05:00

"Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

Even more thoughts on Success

2008-03-10T16:52:00.001-05:00

"I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it." - Thomas Jefferson

Maybe somebody would say, "but that quote is about luck, not success."

Well, consider how Jefferson says his luck is achieved; hard work. This sounds more like success than is does luck. Jefferson's quote is similar to what Seneca said. "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." Proverbs says the diligent will prosper and be asked to stand before important men. Looks to me like hard work and diligence is the producer of this luck some call success.

Proverbs 10:24; 12:24; 22:29;

Another look at how to be Successful

2008-03-08T20:57:00.001-06:00

"I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it." - Pablo Picasso

Now that's simple

2008-03-07T20:38:00.001-06:00

"Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time." - Arnold H. Glasow

Now that should make us think

2008-02-28T18:51:00.001-06:00

"A government that is big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away." - Barry Goldwater

Making Peace

2008-02-21T23:09:00.001-06:00

"You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist." - Indira Gandhi

Who Would I like to Meet?

2008-02-20T16:32:00.002-06:00

Answering this question a few days ago I wrote, "I'd like to meet Jesus, but something unplanned, unrehearsed, unexpected, on the street, and real."

In Pursuit of Success

2008-02-20T16:13:00.001-06:00

"The way to succeed is to double your error rate." - Thomas J. Watson

Thoughts on OIL

2008-02-05T12:13:00.000-06:00

The story in Matthew about the 10 virgins is challenging. They were all waiting for the wedding party and in the end only 5 were allowed to enter the party and 5 were not permited to enter because of not being present when the groom passed by. They had to go and buy oil for their lamps. Why couldn't the other 5 give them oil? I don't know. Here are some thoughts that I've had about the subject, although in some ways they contradict thoughts in the story.

Our oil can be given to others, but we cannot constantly maintain somebody else's bottle full. One must maintain himself but we shouldn't create a deopendency or a false "priestly" system of leaders to be the connection for others to God.
We can share unlimited quanities of "oil" as long as we stay filled through being connected with the Holy Spirit.

The lady with the bottle of oil never ran out... until all the containers she had gotten together were full.

The widow and her son always had enough oil and flour to make one more cake, as long as they made a cake for the prophet first.

Ephesians 5 tells us to be being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Acts says wait until you've been filled with power-from-on-high.

Psalm 133 tells us that unity and harmony produce abundance of oil. So much that it runs down from the head to the feet, now that's lots of oil.

Now, not all of these mentions of oil are directly regarding the Holy Spirit, but they sure can challenge us about generosity, unity, waiting for God, etc. What do I say? I want more of Him and less of me.

Success - a quote

2008-02-05T11:08:00.001-06:00

"Success is a journey, not a destination." - Ben Sweetland

Good Habits - a quote

2008-02-04T18:46:00.001-06:00

"Write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow." - Lawrence Clark Powell

Bless the Nations

2008-02-01T08:58:00.000-06:00

God's blessing is not for us to keep, instead we must use it to bless the nations. Israel believed that the blessing and favor of God was for them because they were the chosen, special sons and daughters of God, His chosen people, His holy nation. God's purpose in blessing Abraham and setting him apart was that Israel shine and reflect His glory; that they be a light to the nations and a blessing to the world.

A city set on a hill is not hidden. A light is not turned on in the closet and the door kept shut. A city, a light, a lighthouse is placed on a hill, on a high spot to illuminate, to guide, to bless, to protect. In the same way, we are blessed by God so we can bless others, not so we can be rich, proud and pompous. He lifts us up to show His glory and to draw the nations to Him.

Isaiah was clear when he wrote:

GOD's bright glory has risen for you.
GOD rises on you,
his sunrise glory breaks over you.
Nations will come to your light,
Kings to your sunburst brightness.

Paul left no doubt about the reason for God's blessing:

He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

LORD, that may I stay truly humble, outrageously generous, always touchable and completely authentic for your glory and honor, forever.

LORD, that I may bless the nations.

Isaiah 61; 2 Corinthians 9:11 - The Message

Confidence - a quote

2008-02-01T08:08:00.001-06:00

"Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence." - Vince Lombardi

A Portrait

2008-01-31T13:40:00.000-06:00

I continue with drawing classes. It is an enjoyable and relaxing experience. I've done several different pictures (you can see on other if you click below where is says drawing projects) and now I've almost finished my first portrait, Esperanza.

We might allow the art school to share our space in the building one or two days a week. I hope it works out.

More on a Different Perspective

2008-01-31T10:33:00.000-06:00

Frost and Hirsch continue provoking thoughts in my mind.

"Len [Sweet] told us about how he will often get Christians… to stand in a large circle around the room. He said that they always stand shoulder-to-shoulder facing inward. When he points this out, they immediately adopt the opposite stance and face outward. But, Leonard Sweet reminds them a totally outward-facing church isn't being everything a church should be. He then asks them to stand facing each other with one shoulder facing the center of the circle and the other facing out. It might seem like a small shift, but by standing in this less natural position they gain a powerful reminder of the missionary stance. It's both inward and outward looking."

Although I had read and marked this paragraph 18 months ago, I didn't remember it. I rediscovered it yesterday and it goes exactly with what I had done on Jan. 25, 2008 with the chairs facing out at morning prayer and devotion. I mentioned the need to look outward and not maintain our focus on ourselves. I also made the comment that a just outward focus was not correct either. There are times for inward focus and times for outward focus. I like Sweet's dynamic of shoulder-in and shoulder-out, facing each other to explain living and meeting needs of body (inward) and of the world (outward).

I'm also pondering another quote, but this time from Hirsch's book The Forgotten Ways.

"It is little wonder that our precommitments to the Christendom mode of church [typical Western-world church] and thinking restrict us to past successes and give us no real solutions for the future. We always seem to default to its preconceived answers. Genuine learning and development is at best a risky process, but without journey and risk there can be no progress."

We need to get outside of our religious box in at least two ways: In our methods and thoughts [new wineskins vs. old wineskins] and in regards to those we are to impact [new wine vs. old wine - ourselves vs. those that are not yet Christians]. To grow, learn and make progress we must begin to think different. We must raise the ceiling, take off the lid, shake off the chains if we're really going to make a difference.

Jesus' major difficulty was with the established religous leaders. Even among the disciples of John and his own disciples he wasn't understood in his teachings, practice of fasting, eating with sinners and undesirables, and allowing his feet to be cleaned and anointed with a very expensive and precious oil .

Jesus said, "Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God's good news to one and all. Train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life… Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you."

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Transform my way of thinking. Make me a new wineskin.

Frost and Hirsch , The Shaping of Things to Come, p. 44.
Hirsch, The Forgotten Ways, p. 51.
Mark 16:16 and Matthew 28:19-20, The Message.

A Different Perspective

2008-01-25T16:37:00.001-06:00

Today we marked day 25 in our New Year's Morning Prayer. The plan started out as 21 days of prayer in preparation for the "New Wine" based on a 21 day prayer guide by Chuck Pierce. On January 1st we started with 4 people. I was pleased, especially since the majority of the people in Matagalpa stayed up til after midnight on December 31. As the week progressed we finished with 8 people coming. The next week we had an average of 12 and the next week 21 people came on Monday and Tuesday and then it rose again to 24. Group desire was to continue and finish out the month. Monday 28 people came, Tuesday 28 again, Wednesday 29, Thursday there were 34 and today there were 29. God is doing something.

Each day is similar in that we read, meditate, share and pray... each day has it's own distinction and today's was a good one.

Today we placed the 30+ chairs facing out of the circle instead of towards the center. It was fun and interesting watching the people come in 1, 2, 3 at a time and start looking at the chairs. The first 5-10 people didn't even want to sit down.

"You're playing with our mind, Pastor," they said.

Bev and I sat down and began reading the verses for the day and soon all were somewhat doing the same, still uncomfortable and a bit nervous, but they followed our example. There was a bit more chatter than normal, there were one or two that just stood there and looked as they entered. One man sat down and got up looked around, sat down again for a moment and then got up again. Finally, he sat down, but couldn't read... he was uncomfortable.

After we broke into small groups to discuss the reading, we talked about sitting looking out of the circle instead of towards the center. The shared their feelings and we talked about the uncomfortableness. Some couldn't do their reading and meditation, others liked it better, all were affected some how.

"Why?" I asked. Because God wants us to have a new perspective. He wants us to look at things differently. He doesn't want us to get comfortable with the same ol' same ol'. Yesterday I mentioned Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch's book The Shaping of Things to Come and the need for change so we can continue growing and learning, and that was exactly the purpose of this morning's exercise in setting facing looking out of the circle.

Some key ideas I left the people with about sitting facing outward were:

we need to be made uncomfortable sometimes
we need a different perspective
we shouldn't focus on ourselves all the time
our help in not in ourselves
it's a better position for defense [if that is necessary]
we must go out to the nations

After chatting about the experience, we faced out again, prayed for a change in our perspective and the needs of the nations. Returning to face the center [it's not always bad, you know], we prayed for one another and then left for the day with a new commitment to give the nations what God has given us.

A Few Good Quotes From Our Past

2008-01-23T10:55:00.001-06:00

James Madison - "If men were angels, no government would be necessary."
Thomas Paine - "That government is best which governs least."

Woodrow Wilson - "The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people."
Ronald Reagan - "We are never defeated unless we give up on God."

Give Me what You've Got

2008-01-23T10:31:00.000-06:00

Toward evening the disciples approached him [Jesus]. "We're out in the country and it's getting late. Dismiss the people so they can go to the villages and get some supper."

Jesus said, "There is no need to dismiss them. You give them supper."

"All we have are five loaves of bread and two fish," they said.

Jesus said, "Bring them here."

Like the woman with the cruse of oil and the widow with just enough oil and flour to make one more meal, all God asks of us is what we have, nothing more, but he does want all we have.

In the same way, Peter took the step of faith and walked on water. Here all Peter had was faith in Jesus and a step of obedience.

He believed.
He obeyed.
He walked on water.

That is all God asks of us!

"Give me what you've got," He says!

Matthew 14:15-18; 2 Kings 4:1-8; 1 Kings 17:12-14; Matthew 14:28-29

An Interesting Thought

2008-01-15T14:49:00.001-06:00

"Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition." - Timothy Leary

Very interesting for at least two reasons:

1. A woman has her own special value in just being a woman, created different than a man. She has her own special characteristics, such as a more caring heart, a perception or intuition that man doesn't typically have, etc. Why seek to be equal with men? Be who you are! special and unique.

2. Galatians 3:27, 28 "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." God already made us equal in His sight. What do we have to accomplish?

This is not to avoid the just application of the law for just and equal treatment, but that is a totally different topic. In fact, from a Christian male perspective I believe that women should receive special and preferred treatment. Peter mentions that they are the more fragile gender and should receive preferential treatment and care from their husbands.

I'm thankful for my awesome wife, the woman of my life. She deserves much more credit and recognition for great accomplishments in the Kingdom of God than I do. She far exceeds me in every area of life.

I love you Beverly!

A thought after silence...

2008-01-11T10:26:00.000-06:00

Well, I've been super busy... but I have had lots of thoughts and have spent significant time reflecting.

The past weeks my major focus has been the family... Christmas, birthdays, putting together airplanes with the boys, drawing with Cheree, spending time and chatting with Bev, eating cashew nuts and chex with my mom...

We started a 21 day prayer cycle "preparing for the new wine" the new things God wants to do in our lives and the life of the church. We meet every morning at 6 AM, spend time alone in prayer and reading, read a chapter or two together, share what we have gleaned from the text read and finally we close in prayer. We started with 5 people the first day, today we had 14... It's been good.

I finished up a drawing from Johnny, the art teacher... was a bit time consuming for the details. As you can see it was an exercise in perspective. I've started a new one of Esperanza, my first portrait.

Bev and I are leading worship together on Sunday while Raul Castro is preaching. We're getting the church ready to assume more and more responsibility as we prepare to start a new project in Jinotega.

God is good... more later!

In order to succeed

2007-12-27T10:48:00.001-06:00

"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure." - Bill Cosby

Generosity

2007-12-18T06:16:00.001-06:00

Although now a new thought, the impacting thought for Sunday was the cycle of blessing.

The cycle of blessing is like the water cycle. The water fills the clouds and the rain falls. The rain waters the plants of the earth, flows to the rivers, lakes and oceans of the world. In this process water evaporates and returns to the atmosphere forming clouds and preparing to rain again.

The cycle of blessing is similar. God, being good and generous, provides our needs and gives to us so we can bless and help others. We share what God has given us with others - ministries, the needy, charitable organizations - and they see their needs met and can help others. They give thanks to God for the provision and blessing they have received and God blesses us again. This is the cycle of blessing.

The key to it all is generosity, even when generosity is not convenient and be generous at all times, not just when there is abundance. In that manner we will keep God's blessings flowing in our lives and as 2 Corinthians 9 says, even in times of emergency, we will have sufficient for our needs and enough left over to help those in need.

Generosity, it is God's plan for provision and abundance.

Thoughts and Reflections From Nicaragua

My 53rd Birthday Thoughts

Recent posts on A Look in the Mirror

I Believe...

I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in love, even when I do not feel it. I believe in God, even when he is silent. (Author unknown)

Names of God: I AM

Five Weeks Later: any changes?

March 2010 Newsletter

Ramblings on "taking God's love out of the four walls"

Lazarus: a dead man walking

The star

Jesus: the best present ever

The Wise Men

The Shepherds

She Laid Him in a Manger

Born in Bethlehem – Insignificance?

His Name Is John

Mary’s Song - The Magnificant

The Announcements

I Send My Messenger

The Alpha and the Omega

He Is Building His Temple

King of Peace

The Shoot of Jesse, the Branch of Righteousness

The Spirit of the LORD is Upon Me

The Lamb of God

Light for the Nations

The Servant King

Proclaim the Good News from the Mountain Top

The Shepherd King

The Belt of Righteousness and Faithfulness

Prince of Peace

Born of a Virgin

The Righteous Scepter

The Snake on a pole

Prophet’s trumpet [a prophet like Moses]

The Sacrifice of Isaac

The Promise of a Messiah

The Fall of Man

The Creation of Man

He is… Creator and Sustainer of the Universe

He was… In the beginning

Advent – Emmanuel, God with Us

New Life with Advent

The Glow

A Prologue

Meditation

Sincerity

Liberty and Freedom - random thoughts for thought

Works and Faith

Can't Do It. -- OK, Watch This

Wisdom

To My Lord, My Grace

Life

Wisdom

thanks for the reminder

A Strange Pligrim

Looking

Radical 2

Radical

Success continued

Getting Where We Are Going

Big Skies

A Short "Rest" before getting on the Road Again

Go West Young Man

GPS and God

another thought on Success

A Thought on Words

Fan the Flame - 2 Timothy 1:6-8

Jinotega, A Church and Genesis 28:17-19

The Potter and the Clay

A Man of Full of God's Grace and Authority

Wisemen

step by step

power to change

The Worst of Failures

Pigs and Kats (it’s a new breed)

God Calls

Just Trying Hard

Understanding and Living Life - an interesting thought